South Milwaukee Blog

The former Nomi Coffee didn’t stay vacant for long. And that’s great news for South Milwaukee.

Our newest South Milwaukee business, Taco Stop MKE, will officially open for business at 11 a.m. Saturday (tomorrow) at 513 N. Chicago Ave. It had a soft opening Friday — and judging from the crowd then, this will be a big hit.

Please join me in welcoming the new owners, the Agiss family, to our fair city. I’ve met them several times, and I’ve let impressed and excited about their plans for the space, which include a traditional Mexican menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner – with a focus on tacos, of course. They’ll add bar drinks like margaritas over time. The cool outdoor dining space added by the Nomi owners will also be a focus for the new owners.

The Agisses have a long history in the Mexican restaurant business, including at La Fuente, a top Mexican restaurant in Milwaukee.

Learn more and see regular updates on their Facebook page.

Gov. Scott Walker has ordered that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff to recognize the passing of former state legislator Richard Grobschmidt.

It’s a terrific honor, and very fitting for this community icon.

Thank you to Gov. Walker for deciding to do this, and to state Sen. Chris Larson for working with the governor’s office to make this happen.

You can see the order here.

Services for Rick are Friday morning. Please fly your own flag in honor of Rick.

Tributes to Richard Grobschmidt are pouring in, and rightfully so. From Tuesday’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story, his online memorials, my mayoral Facebook page and other sources …

• Tamara Grobschmidt: “He had a way of understanding that there were people who didn’t have the same worldviews as he did. He just knew that it’s important to listen to the voices of all people.”
• Deborah Thatcher: “It was an honor to begin my teaching career right across the hall from Mr. Grobschmidt! He was a kind and warm gentleman who always made you feel welcomed! My condolences to his beloved family! I agree with every wonderful thing written in this article about his great character and about the fine human being that he was! It was a blessing to have known him!”
• Kris Wendt: “Rick co-authored the bill that created the Office of School Services at Wisconsin Historical Society in 1992 and worked with the Wisconsin Council on Local History and Wisconsin Library Association to assure passage. Thanks in part to his perseverance, young students of Wisconsin history and their teachers finally acquired their first new Wisconsin text book in 35 years and wonderful supporting resources. He was an outstanding champion of public and school libraries who will be remembered as a kind hearted and humble man. Sincere sympathy to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us.”
• Richard Thinnes: “He was probably one of the best teachers that I ever taught with. Like they say in the Music Man, ‘You gotta know your territory.’ And he knew his territory. … I never heard anything negative coming out of that man’s mouth. He just got along with everybody.”
• Mary Lou Keleher: “Rick Grobschmidt was a phenomenal State Representative. It was clear he was working for the best interests of the people of Wisconsin. When he moved on to DPI, it continued. He was a great contact to have at the agency! Rick was truly one of the good guys, and will be sorely missed.”
• Jeff Plale: “One of the things that he demonstrated to me early is that if you’re willing to share the credit, you can get just about anything done in politics. I learned a lot from that, and I tried to model my style of politics after that.”
• Wisconsin DPI Superintendent Tony Evers: “Wisconsin lost an ally for kids and families with the passing of Rick Grobschmidt. He served the state in many roles: as a teacher in South Milwaukee, as a Wisconsin State Representative and Senator, and as an Assistant State Superintendent at the Department of Public Instruction. He was principled in his beliefs, but always looked for ways to build common ground to better serve his constituents and our state. Rick touched many lives and was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I am glad to have called him a friend. My condolences to Barb, Rick’s family, and his many friends.”
• Democratic Party of Milwaukee County: “We are devastated to hear of the passing of Rick Grobschmidt. He was a tremendous advocate for Wisconsin families as a legislator and deputy state superintendent of public instruction. Rick represented the best of Milwaukee County Democrats and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Barb, Tammy, John, and the whole extended Grobschmidt family.”

Feel free to add your memories in the comments section.

Here is his formal obituary.

And you can read more condolences on the Molthen-Bell website. Rick touched so many lives.

Check out these South Shore headlines …

• Caterpillar Slashes Guidance, Announces More Job Cuts (Wall Street Journal)
• NOW Websites to Get New Look, Realignment (NOW)
• Charcoal Grill and Rotisserie Lights its Grill in Oak Creek on July 18 (NOW)
• Oak Creek Hangs Banners at Drexel Town Square in Honor of Local Military Heroes (NOW)
• Firefighters to the Rescue! Oak Creek FD Shares Photos of Ducklings Pulled from Sewer, Reunited with Mom (Fox 6)
• Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field Name Official Bacon: Patrick Cudahy (Business Journal)

Also, NOW has published a new police blotter.

I was proud to join dozens of Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home team members in celebrating their 100th anniversary on Monday. It’s exciting to see longstanding, local businesses like this not only survive, but thrive, in South Milwaukee. Here’s to another 100 years!

Here is the proclamation I presented.

Masjid Al-Huda provided the following recap of its first-annual open house barbecue from Saturday … I’m glad to see turnout was strong.

Welcome again to South Milwaukee, Masjid Al-Huda!

The weather was forecasted to be extraordinarily hot and humid. But determined to proceed, the tents were pitched, the grill was fired up, and volunteers were in action.

We expected our neighbors to be kind, but we could never have expected the warm, enthusiastic, and generous welcome that our dear neighbors in South Milwaukee gave Masjid Al-Huda. From our immediate neighbors near the facility, to our friends in Blue, to our city officials- so many people came out to welcome us and show their support. One lovely neighbor stopped by just to say that she could not attend due to a family emergency but she did not want to miss the chance to welcome us.

While taking a tour through the building, guests were able to see the classrooms that have been refreshed for Masjid Al-Huda’s education programs and the newly renovated prayer area that now serves as the Mosque.

And then there were the stories! We were intrigued by all of the memories that our guests shared. One couple who visited us had been married in the church fifty-one years ago! We met many people who had attended the school, taught at the school, worked in the kitchen, helped with renovating the building- people involved in every area of life of this beautiful campus.

Smiles, hugs, and a few nostalgic tears were the order of the day. We made friends and we made plans. We at Masjid Al-Huda knew that we would love our new home and neighbors in South Milwaukee- with its proud past and promising future. It is such a blessing to know that the feeling is mutual!

From the Masjid Al-Huda Family

South Milwaukee has lost a dedicated community servant, public official, and educator  – one who has touched countless lives.

Richard Grobschmidt passed away on Saturday at the age 68.

Rick, son of longtime South Milwaukee Mayor Chester Grobschmidt, graduated from South Milwaukee High School in 1966. He returned to teach political science at the school before serving five terms in the state Assembly and parts of three terms in the state Senate, chairing both the Assembly and Senate education committees.

Rick left the Senate in 2003 after he was appointed assistant state superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction. He retired from the DPI in 2010.

“I find it is now time for me to say good-bye to my DPI family and spend more time with my South Milwaukee family,” he said at the time.

Rick’s South Milwaukee family will miss him. We lost a great man.

Services are planned for Friday at Divine Mercy Parish.

Did you know Rick? Please post your memories below.

From the market’s Facebook page …

TODAY’s SOUTH MILWAUKEE MARKET IS CANCELLED (July 21, 2016) DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FORECAST. We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but our vendor and public safety is paramount. Please Share this on your Facebook page to help us get the word out.

Vendors, if you have any questions or concerns, please call our market manager.

NEXT WEEK – July 28th EVENING ON THE AVENUE STREET FESTIVAL – we’ll be moving the market to Milwaukee Avenue for our City’s Largest Street Festival. Make plans to check it out.

The South Milwaukee Police Department is releasing a composite sketch of a person of interest in last week’s attempted sexual assault case in Grant Park.

From the police …

This person would have been seen in the Grant Park main beach and clubhouse area in the evening hours of Tuesday July 12^th, 2016 between approximately 8pm-10pm. If you feel you recognize the person or may have seen the subject in Grant Park on that date/time please contact the SMPD at 414-768-8060. Please do not attempt to make contact with the person if you believe you see him or know him. If associated with a vehicle, please be sure to copy down the license plate and provide it to the police. 

And here is the initial information …

On Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at about 9:22pm, the South Milwaukee Police Department took a report of an attempted sexual assault that occurred in Grant Park, South Milwaukee. The female victim reported she was walking on the sidewalk and noticed a subject following her. The subject waited until she was in a dimly lit area and then hit the victim from behind. During the attempted assault the victim was able to flee from the subject.

Subject described: Hispanic male, 6′ 2″ – 6′ 4″, heavy build (around 350 pounds), red basketball shorts, dark t-shirt, no facial hair, no glasses, no tattoos, scabs on both shins. The victim described the subject’s hairstyle as a “Johnny Bravo” style (short on the sides and longer/curly in the front). If any person knows the subject associated with this crime they are encourage to contact the SMPD at (414) 768-8060. 

With extreme temperatures expected the next few days, we have this from the South Milwaukee Health Department …

Here are some options for cooling sites …

Library is open:

• Thursday 9 am to 8 pm
• Friday 9 am to 5 pm
• Saturday 9 am to 4 pm

Senior Center:

• Thursday and Friday 9 am to 4 pm

 Grobschmidt Pool:

• Thursday: Lap swim only 7 am to 10 am. Open swim 12:30-4:30 pm and 5:30-7:30 pm  
• Friday: Lap swim only 7 am to 10 am. Open swim 12:30 to 4:30 pm

The Health Department will have bottled water available in case someone should come in to City Hall requesting it.  Here is a list of medications that residents should be aware of that can increase the risk of heat illness.

The South Milwaukee Little League Intermediate All-Stars took home a state title last week, and are headed to regional play in Kalamazoo, Mich., later this week.

The team beat West Bend Thursday and Friday, 13-1 and 15-3, in the state finals, advancing to the 10-team double elimination regional tournament, comprised of Midwest state champions. The regional winner will move on to the Little League Intermediate World Series in Livermore, Calif.

The team is looking for donations to help fund their trip to Michigan. From Manager Tony Goodenough:

Our boys are a determined group of individuals who hold themselves to the highest standards. They are not only outstanding baseball players, but contribute to many local community organizations. This team exemplifies the South Milwaukee Way, putting sportsmanship above all else. They are great ambassadors of our city, and promote all the values that South Milwaukee stands for. …

Any monetary donation would be greatly appreciated and is tax deductible. Checks can be mailed and payable to: South Milwaukee Little League PO Box 11 South Milwaukee, WI 53172.

They also have a GoFundMe page.

Go South Milwaukee!

40 years ago, this happened …

At tonight’s city council meeting, we’re proud to honor members of the state champion 1975-76 South Milwaukee boys’ basketball team.

The Rockets finished the season 25-0 – at the time, one of only 17 teams to go undefeated to win a state boys title, scoring 74.6 points per game while holding opponents to an average of 52.5 points.

They defeated Milwaukee Washington in the state quarterfinals, Madison West in the semifinals and Eau Claire Memorial and coach Dick Bennett in the finals, with Kurt Nimphius hitting a short jumper with 46 seconds left en route to a thrilling 45-43 victory in the championship.

It was the end of a historic season for Nimphuis, who would go on to play collegiately at Arizona State and play in the NBA for eight seasons. He scored 30 points in the final and 97 points in the three games in Madison, which still stands as the second-highest total in the tournament. He had 40 rebounds in the three games.

The team was coached by Jerry Sullivan, who went 223-98 at South Milwaukee, was named state Coach of the Year in 1976, was inducted in to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1983 and had the new high school gymnasium named in his honor in 2006.

The state championship team began their careers together in the South Milwaukee Recreation Department in fifth grade, beginning a strong bond that would continue through high school, never putting themselves before the team, working together year-round to practice their craft of basketball to become better parts for the whole.

It’s exciting to honor that team tonight … and to see them in the upcoming Heritage Days Parade, as they gather for a reunion. More come on that.

Go Rockets!

From the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center …

The Donny McCaslin Group, musicians featured on rock icon David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, will perform their first and only scheduled Milwaukee appearance at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) on Thursday, October 13, at 7:30 p.m. Donny McCaslin has been hailed as a “game‐changing jazz saxophonist,” who along with the other members of his band, were sought out to perform on Bowie’s last album.

“Presenting the Donny McCaslin Group is part of our mission of bringing creative, innovative and diverse artists to Milwaukee. We believe that a high-profile artist like Donny McCaslin can enrich the appetite for modern jazz music in Milwaukee and put a spotlight on Milwaukee’s own rich jazz scene,” says Rachel Sorce, SMPAC Executive Director. In the past, SMPAC has presented contemporary jazz musicians and composers such as Robert Glasper and Jason Moran.

More details here. And here is a bigger list of upcoming events.

From the day Masjid Al-Huda announced it was purchasing the former St. Adalbert’s parish buildings, I’ve said it’s important that we, as South Milwaukee residents, do what we can to learn more about who our new neighbors are — and, just as importantly, who they aren’t. This will be one opportunity to do just that.

Thanks to the mosque for holding this event, and for showing its commitment to becoming part of this community.

Details in the flyer image.